Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Newark (19713)- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the armed robbery of a Newark area cellular phone store that occurred yesterday evening.

The initial investigation has determined that the incident happened at approximately 6:44 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, as a male suspect entered the Verizon Wireless store located at 379 E. Chestnut Hill Road. The suspect then approached the sales counter where he displayed an unknown make and model handgun and confronted two male employees of the store. He then ordered the employees to turn over cellular phones to him. The employees complied with the suspect’s demands and turned over an undisclosed amount of cell phones. The suspect then exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. The employees were not injured.

The suspect was described as an Hispanic male. He was 5’10” tall, weighed 250-300 lbs., and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and had a black bandana partially covering his face.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the  Robbery unit at Troop 2 at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline

1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

Released: 061517 1447

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Laurel – The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the 59-year-old that died in the fatal bicycle crash east of Laurel as Steven S. Oney of Laurel, Delaware.

This crash remains under investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit.

*Update* Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash with Bicyclist-Laurel

Released: 061517 0911

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

Townsend- The Kent County Governor’s Task Force concluded a two week long investigation into illegal drug sales occurring at a Townsend area motel with the arrest of three men.

The investigation began after officers from the Kent County Governor’s Task Force began searching for Sean Gaitens, 20, of Middletown, who was wanted for a probation violation. As the search for Gaitens progressed, it was learned that he may be staying at the Pleasant Hill Motel, located in the 3000 block of DuPont Parkway, Townsend, and that he was involved in the sale of illegal drugs from the motel.

On Tuesday, June 13, 2017, Task Force members responded to the motel at which time they observed Gaitens exit a room and enter the front passenger seat of a white Dodge Nitro which had parked on the shoulder of Rt. 13 southbound in front of the motel. As the Dodge entered back onto the roadway, it was observed that Gaitens had failed to properly fasten his seatbelt. A stop of the vehicle was then conducted and Gaitens, who provided the Task Force members with a fictitious name, was taken into custody without incident. A computer check of the operator, later identified as  Robert Walcome, 38, of Newark, revealed that he was operating a vehicle while his license was suspended and also was wanted on an active capias. He was also taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle was then conducted and as a result, six bags of heroin and two strips of Suboxone were located. Sean Gaitens and Robert Walcome were then transported to Troop 9.

As Task Force Members were conducting the traffic stop of the Dodge Nitro, a red Hyundai was observed pulling into the lot of the motel. The male operator of the vehicle, later identified as Andrew Hubler, 24, of Millsboro, then exited the car and proceeded to knock on the door of the room that had previously been occupied by Sean Gaitens. Task Force Members then made contact with Hubler, and after further investigation, it was learned that he was in possession of illegal drugs. A search of Hubler’s Hyundai, with the assistance of a K-9 unit from the New Castle City Police Department, yielded 15,134 bags of heroin. He was then arrested by Task Force members and transported to Troop 9.

An administrative search of Sean Gaiten’s room was then conducted by officers of the Division of Probation and Parole at which time an additional 214 bags of heroin and $536.00 in suspect drug sale proceeds was located.

Sean Gaitens was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, two counts of Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Maintaining a Drug Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Criminal Impersonation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the James Vaughn Correctional Institution in default of $86,000.00 cash bail.

Robert Walcome was charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Criminal Solicitation 3rd Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended, and Failure to Properly Secure a Passenger with a Seatbelt. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and released on $2000.00 unsecured bail.

Andrew Hubler was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 5 Quantity, Possession with the Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 1 Quantity, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned at JP Court 2 and committed to the James Vaughn Correctional Institution in default of $75,000.00 cash bail.

Released: 061417 1900

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal crash of a bicyclist that occurred this morning east of Laurel.

The preliminary investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:28 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, June 14, 2017, as a 2001 Freightliner 6-wheel dump truck operated by Paul J. Fisher, 57 of Delmar, was traveling northbound on Whaley’s Road (CR 62) just south of Wooten Road (CR 72). The bicyclist, 59 year old male of Laurel, was operating a mountain style bicycle northbound on Whaley’s Road just ahead of the dump truck. The operator of the truck failed to perceive the cyclist and struck the rear of the bicycle with the right front bumper. The dump truck came to a controlled stop just north of the collision.

The bicyclist, who was not wearing a bicycle helmet, was pronounced deceased at the scene. His name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Paul J. Fisher Jr., who was properly seat belted, was uninjured in this collision.

The investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit regarding the causation of the crash is ongoing. Charges have not been filed at this time. Speed and intoxication are not considered factors.

Both Wooten Road and Whaley’s Road were closed in the area of the crash for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing their investigation into this incident.  If anyone may have witnessed this crash or has any knowledge of the crash they are asked to contact Sergeant T. Mendez of the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 302-703-3269. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov. 

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Released: 061417 1551

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Troopers Investigating Fatal Motor Vehicle Crash with Bicyclist-Laurel

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, June 14, 2017, on Whaley’s Road south of Wooten Road east of Laurel, and involves a six wheel dump truck and a bicyclist. As a result of the crash one person has been pronounced dead.

Both Wooten Road and Whaley’s Road is currently closed in the area of the crash. Commuters are asked to use caution and find alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash by the Delaware State Police is in its early stages. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 061417 1001

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Laurel, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred this morning.

The initial investigation has determined that the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, June 14, 2017, on Whaleys Road south of Wooten Road east of Laurel, and involves a six wheel dump truck and a bicyclist. As a result of the crash one person has been pronounced dead.

Both Wooten Road and Whaleys Road is currently closed in the area of the crash. Commuters are asked to use caution and find alternate routes of travel.

The investigation into this crash by the Delaware State Police is in its early stages. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.

Released: 061417 1001

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police are releasing the name of the 33-year-old that died in the motorcycle crash north of Bridgeville as Joshua C. Hoffer of Millsboro, Delaware.

This crash remains under investigation by the Collision Reconstruction Unit.

Troopers Investigate Fatal Motorcycle Crash, Bridgeville

Released: 061417 0941

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Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Bridgeville – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred today north of Bridgeville.

The incident occurred around 4:46 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017 as a 33-year-old male from Millsboro was operating a 1986 Honda Shadow motorcycle traveling northbound on Sussex Highway, (U.S. 13) in the right lane approaching the intersection of East Newton Road, Bridgeville. A 2009 Chrysler Sebring, operated by Michael D. Sauerwein, 42 of Rosedale, Maryland was westbound on East Newton Road. For unknown reasons, the motorcycle operator failed to stop for the red light and continued through the intersection directly into the path of the Sebring. The front of the motorcycle struck the front left of the Sebring within the middle of the intersection. After impact the operator was ejected from his motorcycle onto the roadway. The Sebring also stopped in the middle of the intersection.

The male operator, who was not wearing a helmet, was transported to Nanticoke Memorial Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced deceased. His name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Michael D. Sauerwein, who was properly restrained in a seat belt, was not injured.

This crash remains under investigation by the Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit. Impairment is not a factor in this collision on behalf of the vehicle operator; however results are unknown on the part of the motorcycle operator. Speed is also not believed to be a factor in this collision on behalf of either vehicle.

The intersection of Sussex Highway (U.S. 13) and East Newton Road was closed for approximately 2.5 hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

If anyone has any information or witnessed this crash they are asked to contact Corporal/3 K. Argo at (302)-703-3264. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461).  You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

Released: 061317 2051

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**Traffic Advisory-Motorcycle Crash-Bridgeville**

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Seaford- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multiple vehicle crash involving two tractor-trailers where one crashed into a house west of Seaford.

The preliminary investigation has determined the crash occurred at approximately 6:12 a.m. today, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, as a 2017 Ford Mustang operated by Joshua Hurley, 19 of Cambridge, Maryland was traveling westbound on Stein Highway (SR20), just west of Shufelt Road (CR552). A 2007 Peterbilt tractor pulling a 2014 Wilson trailer operated by Anthony Hughes, 54 of Cambridge, Maryland was traveling eastbound on Stein Highway approaching the Mustang.  A 2000 Peterbilt tractor pulling a 2015 Timpte trailer operated by William Robinson, 70 Federalsburg, Maryland was also traveling eastbound directly behind the first Tractor-Trailer.  A 2004 GMC Sierra operated by Oscar Garcia, 37 of Seaford was traveling directly behind the Mustang. For unknown reasons the Mustang left its lane of travel and entered into the eastbound lane of Stein Highway. The first tractor trailer attempted to avoid the collision; however the left front of the mustang struck the left side of the first tractor-trailer. After the initial collision, the first tractor-trailer continued east bound a short distance before pulling over to the shoulder of the roadway.  The Ford Mustang spun counter-clockwise in the eastbound lane, directly in the path of the second Tractor-Trailer, resulting in a second collision.  The Ford Mustang was pushed off of the north side of the roadway making contact with a utility pole, came to a stop and became engulfed in flames. The second Tractor-Trailer exited the north edge of the road and struck the front of a residence on Stein Highway. The GMC Sierra was not involved in the initial crash and swerved off the road and sustained minor damage. Both of the trailers were empty and were enroute to the Laurel Grain.

Joshua Hurley, who was properly seat-belted, was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with minor injuries. Hurley was cited for Failure to Remain within a Single Lane.

Anthony Hughes, who was properly seat-belted, was uninjured in the crash.

William Robinson, who was properly seat-belted, was transported and admitted to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Oscar Garcia, who was properly seat-belted, was transported to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

The Delaware State Police continues to investigate the crash with the assistance of the following allied agencies who responded to the scene; Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Blades Volunteer Fire Company, Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company, Federalsburg Volunteer Fire Company, Ridgely Volunteer Fire Company, Leipsic Volunteer Fire Company, Hartly Volunteer Fire Company, Indian River Volunteer Company, Millsboro Volunteer Fire Company and Natural Resources, Sussex County EMS, Sussex County Technical Rescue, Kent County Technical Rescue, Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.

Stein Highway was closed from Shufelt Road to Green Briar Road for approximately 4½ hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

Released: 061317 1511

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Traffic Advisory-Tractor Trailer Crashes into House

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Seaford- Delaware State Police are currently investigating a multiple vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer that crashed into a house west of Seaford.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:05 a.m. today, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, on Stein Highway west of Shufelt Road, Seaford and involves a tractor-trailer. Injuries at this time are unknown.

As a result of the crash Stein Highway is closed between North Oak Road and Shufelt Road. Traffic has been diverted in the area and commuters are asked to find alternate routes of travel.

Released: 061317 0711

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Presented by Public Information Officer Master Corporal Jeffrey R. Hale

New Castle- Delaware State Police are currently investigating the attempted armed robbery of a New Castle area Dunkin Donuts which occurred yesterday evening.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 12, 2017 at approximately 6:55 p.m., as a male suspect entered the Dunkin Donuts located at 4004 N. DuPont Highway. The suspect approached the sales counter and displayed a knife. He then confronted a female employee and demanded money from the cash register. The employee however, backed away from the sales counter and fled to the rear of the business. The suspect subsequently exited the store and was last seen fleeing the parking lot in an older model light-colored mini van without obtaining any cash. There were no injuries.

The suspect was described as a black male 27-34 years of age. He was 5’08”-5’10” tall and had black hair and brown eyes. There is no clothing description available.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident they are asked to contact the Troop 2 Robbery unit at 302-365-8566. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword “DSP.”

Released: 061317 1250

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